Type-writing machine.



N0 MODEL.

PA'TENTED AUG. 4, 1903.. J. J. GREEN.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

ABPLIOATIDN FILED JUNE 12. 1902.

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Patented August 4, 1903.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN J. GREEN, OF BOONTON, NEl/V JERSEY.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 735,091, dated August 4, 1903.

Application filed June 12,1902. Serial No. 111,250. (No model.)

To ctZZ whom it may concern:

Be itknown that 1, JOHN J. GREEN, acitizen of the United States, residing in Boonton, in the county of Morris and State of New Jersey, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Type-WVriting Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates more especially to the key-action of machines of the type-writer class, and has for an object to provide an improved organization designed to minimize the fatiguing effect incident to the continued operation of the machinethat is to say, to imr prove the touch of the keys.

In constructing the keyaction of a typewriting machine I interpose in accordance with the present invention between each key and its associated type-bar a yielding resilient starting device designed to so operate as to cause the pressure of the operators finger on the key to be applied as a gradually-increasing force to start the type-bar from a state of rest. According to the preferred mode of carrying my invention into practice, moreover, the connections are of such a character as to cause the bar to move with an accelerating velocity until toward the close the bar is enabled to complete its movement by virtue of its momentum, whereupon after the impression is made the bar rebounds somewhat from the surface of the platen and the paper thereon upon which the impression is made.

In the drawings accompanying the present specification, Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of a key-action and so much of the associated mechanism of a type-writing machine as will enable my present invention to be readily understood. Fig. 2 is an edge view of the connecting-rod enabling the actuated type-bar to complete its final or impressing movement after actuation, and subsequent thereto permitting it to rebound from the surface of the platen. Fig. 3 is an elevational view showing a type-bar and operating connections of such a character as to interpose between the associated key-lever and the type-bar a yielding resilient movement-starter. Figs. eand 5 are views similar to Fig.8,Fig. 4: illustrating in full lines the parts in a position such that the resilient device has been brought into play for the purpose of initiating the movement of the type-bar, and Fig. 5 illustrating the parts in the position assumed by them during the act of impressing.

Similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts in all figures.

I have represented in the present drawings only so much of a type-writing machine and its component mechanism as suffices to illustrate the nature of my present improvements, many of the parts being wholly omitted, while others are partly indicated, since a full showing is not deemed to be necessary to an un derstandingof the present mechanism. Thus the supporting-framework of the machine may be of any desired and appropriate form and construction, the same being indicated only in a more or less conventional way and designated generally by B, comprising in this instance a base-frame b, on which are erected posts I), (one only being shown,) supporting the platform or upper plate b This latter is provided with an arc-shaped rest b for the type-bars, since the application of the present improvements is made in this partic ular instance to a machine of the top-strike variety. The type-bars when not operating rest against a pad b on the inner wallofthe support. A platen 4 is also represented, the same being adapted to have a step-by-step longitudinal movement imparted to it and being mounted in a carriage (not shown) adapted to travel upon runways 5, while any suitable and desired mechanism may be as .sociated with-the platen for the purpose of enabling the same to be manipulated in the usual or any desired way.

The type-bars, one of which is shown and designated by 6, are disposed in a circular are about the printing-point of the machine, each type-bar carrying in this instance a plurality of types 6' and being located in a radially-disposed slot, such as 7, in a segment '7, the series of type-bars being fulcru med within their respective slots by a fulcrum wire or red 8. Each type-bar is also formed with an enlarged hub portion 6 operating in conjunction with the sides of the slot inwhich the bar is located to guide and steady the bar in its movements. Motion from the key-leyeirs of the machine is imparted to the respec- "tive type-bars by corresponding angle-levers 9, fulcrumed in slots 10, formed in a segment 10 of somewhat larger radius than the segment 7 and rigidly secured to the framework of the machine, a bracket 10 being indicated and constituting one of the supporting means for the segment. A fulcrum wire or rod 11 passes through the series of angle levers. One arm, such as 9, of each angle-lever is connected with its corresponding type-bar by means of a link 12, jointed by a pivot-pin 13 with the aforesaid arm of the angle-lever and by a pin 14: with the type-bar. This link 12 may conveniently be made of sheet metal bent over upon itself crosswise of its length and embracing at its opposite ends the aforesaid arm 9' and the connected portion of the type-bar. Respective tension-springs 15 connect the arm 9 of each angle-lever with a projecting tooth 15 of a slotted plate 15 secured to the platform b insuring the return of the type-bar and its connected parts to their normal positions, with the type-bar resting against the aforesaid pad I). A connecting-rod 16, (one for each key-1ever,) pivoted at its upper end to the arm 9 of the corresponding angle-lever, places the latterin communication with its key-lever 17, having at its outer end a properly-charactered key 17, the series of key-levers being fulcrumed in this instance at the rear of the machine on a fulcrum-rod 18, extending from side to side of the machine-framing and working in the guide-slots of a slotted plate 18 at the front and 18 at the rear. The organization is such that when a type-bar is in the position indicated in Figs. 1 and 3 the pivots 11, 13, and learesubstantiallyifnotquitein line. v Upon the depression of the key-lever connected with. the type-bar to turn the angle-lever 9 against the tension of the spring 15 the initial eifect is to swing the pivot 13, connecting the angle-lever with the link 12, about an arc whose center coincides with the axis of the pivot 11, thus changing somewhat the angularity of the link with relation to the connected type-bar. During thefirst stage of the downward movement of the actuated key-lever it is manifest that the movement of the link 2 in the line of its length is comparatively slight as compared with such movement when the actuated key-lever shall have been further depressed and the line of length of the link brought into closer coincidence with the tangent of the arc-shaped path traced by the pivot 13. Hence the organization is such that while the key-lever is started at a comparatively slow rate yet its movement accelerates with increased depression of the key If the construction of the parts were as hereinbefore described, there would still exist a direct unyielding connection between the actuated key-lever and the connected type-bar, and hence even though the type-bar be started from a state of rest comparatively slowly the force exerted by the finger of the operator will nevertheless have to start the type-bar in motion practically instantaneously. In-

stead of transmitting the force in this manner I interposeaccording to the present improvements a yielding resilient device between the connected parts, whereby the force necessary to overcome the inertia of the typebar at rest is gradually applied to an increasing amount, thus rendering the touch of the keys more elastic and minimizing the fatiguing effect upon the operator. In its most convenient form this interposed yielding device comprises a spring 19, mounted upon each link 12 and adapted to hear at its free end against a projection on the type-bar 6, here shown in the nature of a projecting heel 19' thereon, extending through the side pieces of the link and preferably in contact with the spring when the type-bar is resting against the pad 11 Such being the construction and relation, the efiect of the initial downward movement of the connected key-lever as the angularity of the link 12 changes with respect to the type-bar is to bring the spring 19 into play, which as its deflection increases applies to the type-bar an increasing effort to swing the same about its fulcrum 8, thus applying to the type-bar an increasing actuating force as the struck lever descends. The function of this spring as a yielding starter may be made more prominent by somewhat elongating the pivot-opening of the pivot 13, (see 13' in Fig. 3,) permitting thus a slight relative movement at the joint before the angle-lever becomes operative to pull down the type-bar by the pivot 14. This action of the spring continues during the initial movement of the type-bar and until the latter by its onward motion draws the projecting heel 19' backward from the edge of the link 12. The yielding starter is thereupon positively thrown out of operation, (see, for instance, the relative position of the parts in Fig. 5,) and the movement of the type-bar is continued by the direct force applied through the pivot 14, the spring more or less reverting to its normal position. In order to prevent a too great deflection of the spring, and hence eliminate any tendency to break the same, I preferably provide a stop 19 for limitingthe movementof the type-bar with relation to the link, this stop being formed in this instance by the edge of that portion of the spring where it connects with the side pieces of the link 12, and which stop is therefore fixed relativelyto such side pieces.

A further feature embodied in the present machine relates to the means employed for utilizing the momentum of the actuated typebar to continue the movement thereof during its later stages and as the impression is made and permitting finally the type-bar to rebound from the surface of the platen. In

order to permit the movement of the actuated type-bar, connected link, and angle-lever to continue, even though the key-lever shall have ceased its motion before the impression is made, the connecting-rod 16 is made in the form of a stirrup through the ent farther movement in a downward direction after the key-lever ceases its motion, whereupon as a result of the tension of the connected spring 15 the rebound of the typebar occurs, the bottom of the loop of the stirrup again contacting with the lower edge of the key-lever. When it is desired that this ,rebound shall take place, 1 preferably provide means for limiting the downward movement of the series of key-levers. This means comprises in this instance a stopbar 21, preferably of some resilient material-for instance, rubber-which extends from side to side of the machine, the same being clamped in this instance between side flanges 21 21 of a split tube 21 connected to an operating-bar 21 extending from side to side of the machine-framing and having at its end beyond the framing of the machine an operating thumb-piece 21 whereby the stop-bar may be turned from a position of use (shown in dotted lines) to a position of disuse. (Shown in full lines.)

Although the present improvements do not relate to parts of the mechanism of the machine other than the key-action, as hereinbefore described, I'have indicated in a general way a vibratory frame 22, upon which is mounted feed-teeth 22 22 effective for feedingthe carriage, this frame being mounted in brackets 23, extending from the ways 5 and having an arm 24, connected by a link '25 to a frame 26, fulcrumed by a rod 27 and supporting the usual universal bar 28, disposed below the series of key-levers. An adjustable spring 29 is likewise shown for returning the vibratory frame after its actuation as a result of depressing the key-lever.

Having described my invention, I claim- 1. The combination with an actuator, of an actuatable member, a yieldingstarter for initiating the movement of the actuatable member and which is thereupon, and before the full movement of the actuatable member is accomplished, positively thrown out of operation and a fixed unyielding connection for continuing the movement of the actuatable member after its initiation by said starter.

2. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar, a yielding starter for initiating the movement of the type-bar and which is thereupon, and before the full movement of the type-bar is accomplished, positively thrown out of operation and a fixed unyielding con nection for continuing the movement of the type-bar after its initiation by said starter.

3. A key-action for type-writing machines embodying in combination, a series of keylevers, a series of type-bars, a yielding starter for initiating the movement of each type-bar and which is thereupon, and before the full movement of the type-bar is accomplished, positively thrown out of operation and afixed unyielding connection between each pair of type-bars and key-levers for continuing the movement of the type-bar after its initiation by the corresponding starter.

4:. The combination with an actuator, of an actuatable member, a spring for initiating the movement of the actuatable member and which is thereupon, and before the full movement of the actuatable member is accomplished, positively thrown out of operation and a fixed unyielding connection for continuing the movement of the actuatable member after its initiation by said starter.

5. A key-action for type-writing machines embodying, in combination, a series of keylevers, a series of type-bars, a spring for initiating the movement of each type-bar and which is thereupon, and before the full movement of the actuatable member is accomplished, positively thrown out of operation and a fixed unyielding connection between each pair of connected type-bars and key-levers for continuing the movement of the type-barafter its initiation by the corresponding spring.

6. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar, connecting means comprising a pivoted link and a spring mounted on the link and combined with the member to which .the link is pivoted to thereby increase the deflection of the spring during the first portion of the movement of the actuated key-lever and to release such spring from operation during the latter portion of such movement.

7. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar; a link pivoted to the type-bar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar; and connecting means between the key-lever and the link whereby when the key-lever is depressed the initial effect is to turn the link about its pivot on the type-bar.

8. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar; a link pivoted to the type-bar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar; connecting means between the key-lever and the link whereby when the key-lever is depressed the initial effect is to turn the link about its pivot on the type-bar; and a stop for limiting the deflection of the spring.

9. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar; a link pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar; an angle-lever pivoted to the opposite end of the link; and a connecting-rod extending between the angle-lever and the key-lever.

10. The combination witha key-lever of a type-bar a link pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar, an angle-lever pivoted to the opposite end of the link and having at the joint an elongated pivot-opening; and a connecting-rod extending between said an glelever and the key-lever.

11. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar; a link pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring mounted on thelink and bearing against the type-bar; an angle-lever pivoted to the opposite end of the link, and a connecting-rod having a loop form and extending between the angle-lever and the key-lever.

12. The combination witha key-lever, of a type-bar; a link pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar; an angle-lever pivoted to the opposite end of the link, a connectingrod having a loop form and extending between the angle-lever and the key-lever; and

' a stop-bar for limiting the downward movement of the key-lever.

13. The combination with a key-lever, of a type-bar; a link pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar; an angle-lever pivoted to the opposite end of the link; a connectingrod having a loop form and extending between the angle-lever and the key-lever; and a stop-bar for limiting the downward movement of the key-lever, and adjustable from a position of use to a position of disuse.

14. The combination with a key-lever of a type-bar; alink pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring mounted on the link and bearing against the type-bar; an angle-lever pivoted to the opposite end of the link, and a connecting-rod extending between said angle-lever and a key-lever, the parts being so organized that the fulcrum of said angle-lever and the pivotal connections of said link deflect to a greater and greater extent from a straight line in proportion as the key-lever is depressed.

15. The combination with akey-lever and a type-bar, of a link made of sheet metal and bent over upon itself to form side pieces, said link being pivoted at one end to the typebar; a spring extending from the rear side of the link and'bearing against a projecting heel on the type-bar; an angle-lever pivoted between the side pieces of the link at the opposite end of the latter; a looped connecting-rod jointed to said angle-lever and in the loop of which the key-lever is located; and a stop-bar for limiting the downward movement of the keylever.

16. The combination with a key-lever, of a stop for limiting its printing movement, a type-bar, a yielding starter for initiating the movement of the type-bar, and a connection between the type-bar and the key-lever permitting the type-bar to continue its printing movement after the key-lever has been arrested by said stop, the connection between the type-bar and key-lever comprising a fixed unyielding part for continuing the movement of the type-bar after its initiation by said starter.

17. The combination with a key-lever of a stop forlimitingits printing movement,atypebar, a connection between the two permitting the type-bar to complete its printing movement after the key-lever has been arrested by said stop, said connection comprising a loop through the bight of which the key-lever extends, and a yielding starter for initiating the movement of the type-bar.

18. The combination with a key-lever of a stop forlimiting its printing movement,a typebar, a connection between the two permitting the type-bar to complete its printing movement after the key-lever has been arrested by said stop, said connection comprising a loop through the bight of which the key-lever extends, and a spring for initiating the movement of the type-bar.

19. The combination with a key-lever of a type-bar, a stop for limiting the printing movement of the key-lever, an angle-lever for transmitting motion from the key-lever to the type-bar, a link pivoted at one end to the type-bar and at the opposite end to the anglelever, a spring carried by said link and operative to initiate the movement of the typebar, a connecting-rod extending between said angle-lever and the key-lever and permitting the continuation of the printing movement of the type-bar when the key-lever shall have been arrested by said stop, said angle-lever, link and connecting-rod being so organized that the fulcrum of said angle-lever and the pivotal connections of said link deflect to a greater and greater extent from a straight line in proportion as the key-lever is depressed.

20. The combination with a key-lever of a type-bar, a stop for limiting the printing movement of the key-lever, an angle-lever for transmitting motion from the key-lever to the type-bar, a link pivoted at one end to the type-bar and at the opposite end to the anglelever, a spring carried by said link and operative to initiate the movement of the typebar, a connecting-rod having a loop through the bight of which said key-lever extends, to thereby permit the continuation of the printing movement of thetype-bar when the keylever shall have been arrested by said stop, said angle-lever link and connecting-rod being so organized that the fulcrum of said angle-lever and the pivotal connections of said link deflect to a greater and greater extent from a straight line in proportion as the keylever is depressed.

JOHN J. GREEN.

Witnesses:

FRED. J. DOLE, JOHN O. SEIFERT. 

